This Cincinnati bride wore a timeless dress with a surprising detail

Gatsby-inspired wedding dress

David and Carly were friends for years before falling in love and moving to Cincinnati from Arizona when David got the assistant basketball coaching job for Xavier University. For their wedding day at The Monastery Event Center, the couple chose a decor that matched its timeless elegance with a nod to Gatsby. Elegant high ceilings and a black, white, and greenery focus for florals captured that goal perfectly. Keep scrolling to see photography captured by Kassidy Hardgrove of this beautiful day planned with the help of Em + Elle Events and Leeann McKay.

simple wedding jewelry

simple silk fitted wedding dress Grace Loves Lace dress with train

A dress with surprising details

To complement that Gatsby-era style, Carly's dress was a Grace Loves Lace dress with a dramatic back that added a hint of detail to the simplicity of the look. Grace Loves Lace is an Australian brand that makes the dress custom fit at an affordable price point. The dress is actually a stretchy spandex material that feels like your favorite pair of yoga pants and doesn't have any zippers or buttons. Carly chose the Martini Gown due to its simple front and elegant yet sexy back with a cute bow that is ever so flattering. She also chose the Grace Loves Lace cathedral Fleur veil due to the dramatic features of the venue. Her bridal style was completed with natural glam makeup and low chignon hairstyle by Flawless Hair and Makeup Artistry.

mirror bridal portrait

Unique portraits for the bride and groom

The couple's portraits moved outside of the box when photographer Kassidy Hardgrove began to feature elements throughout a rented Airbnb called 1835 Saints. It was an incredibly hot August day, so it made sense to ensure their portraits could be taken inside! This property - like their venue - was also a restored church with art deco unique decor and high dramatic ceilings. Their photographer made use of the many mirrors found around the space, and the couple was able to stay cool before their "I do's." Carly and Daniel loved taking portraits before the ceremony, also, so they could enjoy their cocktail hour with friends and family!

wedding dress with bow Grace Loves Lace wedding dress

low chignon hairstyle

Knowing when less decor is more

For their ceremony, Carly and David quickly realized that the most important feature was the venue itself, as opposed to their decor. To help feature the stunning imagery and arched ceiling, they kept their decor as simple as possible while still defining an altar. Floral V Designs created arrangements entirely from greenery and surrounded them with tall gold candleholders that complemented the space.

black bridesmaid dresses

A classic black-tie bridal party look

The couple's wedding party was dressed head to toe in classic black dresses and tuxes. The designs for both the bridal party and the groomsmen were as simple and timeless as possible, with the groomsmen in classic black tuxes from The Black Tux with simple white boutonnieres and the bridesmaids in spaghetti strap v-neck fitted dresses that complemented the luxury of the reception space.

gold white and green tablerunners

tall gold candleholders tall greenery centerpieces

sneakers for the groom

Tall ceilings meant tall centerpieces

David and Carly made excellent use of the tall ceilings and spacious of the restored cathedral church venue by incorporating tall centerpieces created entirely of greenery sitting in perfectly clear vases. The clear vases kept guests' eyes moving upwards and complemented the space nicely. The tall gold candleholders created an incredible, luxury effect once all of the candles were lit. They appeared to almost be floating across the room! The Monastery Event Center also is all inclusive, so the food, alcohol, tables, chairs, flatware, silverware, and event planner were all courtesy of the venue itself, making for a very easy experience.